Photorealism

By Alex Hanton, Bridgette Rowe, and Sam Mihalic

What is Photorealism?

• Photorealism is a type of extremely detailed painting made to look like a photograph that usually depicts man-made scenes and objects.

• Postmodern

What is Photorealism? Cont.

• The intention of photorealism is to reflect on the nature of reality.– This is done by artists adding their own details and

creating a picture that isn’t what the scene actually looked like.

• The urban subject matter usually feels shallow and empty; taunts superficiality.

• Critics think differently.

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What is Photorealism? Cont.

• There are various other names for photorealism. Some of them have slightly differing meanings.– Hyperrealism: expresses detail that surpasses the

ability of a camera to capture. Changes the viewer’s perception of reality.

– Superrealism– Sharp Focus Realism

• Not to be confused with Nouveau Réalisme, a French movement.

Historical Context for Photorealism

• Similar to that of Pop Art.• America has increasing media, advertising,

and city life.– Taunts materialism and shallowness of modern

times.• Nostalgic over the way things used to be;

small town life.

Origins of Photorealism

• Since cameras are used in the making of photorealism, high quality cameras made it possible.

• Reaction to abstract expressionism and minimalism.– Maintained the detachment of minimalism.

• Many similarities to pop art; however, was not as taunting.

Method/Technique

• Photorealist artists almost always used a photo/photos to make their painting.– Most used multiple photos of the same thing; they

chose different aspects from each photo to create an altered reality.

• Gridding is common• Artists differ in the speed it takes them to create

their art and the exact methods they use.• Trompe-l'œil

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Chuck Close

• 1940-present• Very different from other photorealists because

he always uses the same subject matter, but differs in his style of painting.– His style has evolved through several unique phases.

• Uses gridding entirely.• Paints only people; self portraits and friends.• Originally painted abstractly and has now broken

from photorealism.

Chuck Close Cont.

Stage 1: Big Self-Portrait, 1968

Chuck Close Cont.

Stage 2: Linda, 1975

Chuck Close Cont.

Stage 3: Self-Portrait 1997

Richard Estes

• 1932-present• Most well known of the photorealists.• Not very innovative, but very talented.• Believes realism demonstrates craft; dismisses

abstract art.• Works very quickly with heavy, unblended

brush strokes.• Cares little for critics.

Richard Estes Cont.

Telephone Booth, 1967

Richard Estes Cont.

Lee, 1974

Richard Estes Cont.

Cafeteria, 1970

Don Eddy

• 1944-present• Originally a pioneer in photorealism, now

works in metaphysic art.• Usually paints cars and other urban subjects.• His paintings, especially recent ones, are very

complex.• Sometimes uses airbrushes and dots like

Close.

Eddy Cont.

Volkswagen and OK Used Cars, 1971

Eddy Cont.

Summer Shoes, 1972

Eddy Cont.

Bananas, Apples, Avocados, and Tomatoes, 1973

Ralph Goings

• 1928-present• One of the original photorealists, but differs

from the others by using only one photo.– This makes his photo exactly lifelike.– Shows there’s “beauty in the mundane.”

• Paints classic American scenes to create nostalgia.

• Ordinary objects have meaning.

Ralph Goings Cont.

Red Napkin Holder, 1981

Ralph Goings Cont.

Shanna’s Pickup, 1990

Ralph Goings Cont.

Donut 1995

Duane Hanson

• 1925-1996• Not technically a photorealist since he was a

sculptor; made extremely realistic sculptures.• Most portray middle class Americans and

seem humorous at first; all have a deeper meaning.

• Uses materials like bronze and fiberglass.• Watches live models in his studio to sculpt

them.

Duane Hanson Cont.

Young Shopper 1973

Duane Hanson Cont.

Queenie, 1980; Queenie II, 1988

Duane Hanson Cont.

Tourist II, 1988

Duane Hanson Cont.

Man on a Bench 1997

Sandy Skoglund• She takes everyday scenes and adds abnormalities. (usually animals)• She mixed her interest in pop culture and commercial picture making strategies.• She is also an installation artist. (2 months per setup)• She uses monochromatic or contrasting color schemes

Sandy Skoglund Cont.

Revenge of The Goldfish· Made in 1981

Sandy Skoglund Cont.

Cats in Paris· Made in 1993

Reactions and Criticisms

• Very well liked by the public and critics.• Some say the art lacks and lasting significance;

it’s visually appealing but the meaning is difficult to see.

• Boring, superficial subject matter.• Extreme detail is interesting, but sometimes hard

to look at.• Different from many other modern art

movements because of it’s similarity to real life.